ADB Joins GAB Fraud Campaign to Promote Safer Banking Practices in Ghana

ADB Joins GAB Fraud Campaign to Promote Safer Banking Practices in Ghana

Agricultural Development Bank (ADB PLC) has reinforced its commitment to customer protection by participating in the final leg of the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) Fraud Awareness Roadshow and Market Storm in Accra on August 29, 2026. The campaign, themed “Spot The Fraud, Stop The Fraud,” aims to educate the public on fraud prevention amid rising digital banking usage.

Campaign objectives and context

The GAB Fraud Roadshow is an industry-wide initiative designed to deliver practical fraud-prevention education directly to customers and members of the public, moving beyond traditional banking halls into communities where people live and work. The campaign comes at a time when increased adoption of digital banking platforms and electronic payment channels has made customer vigilance a critical component of the financial sector’s collective response to fraud.

Key messages from ADB leadership

Edward Ato Sarpong, Managing Director of ADB PLC, emphasized the shared responsibility between banks and customers in combating fraud. He stated that while banks continue to invest in systems and controls to safeguard banking operations, customers must strengthen their complementary roles by protecting sensitive banking information and exercising caution when responding to account-related requests.

“Protecting customers from fraud requires a shared commitment. As banks strengthen our security systems and controls, customers should also protect their banking information and remain vigilant,” Ato Sarpong said. He urged customers to avoid sharing sensitive banking credentials with third parties, particularly when confronted with unsolicited calls, messages, or communications purportedly from their banks.

“No legitimate banking process requires customers to disclose sensitive credentials to unknown persons. When in doubt, customers should verify directly with their bank before taking any action,” the ADB MD added. He stressed that sustained public education remains essential as fraudsters continually adapt their methods to exploit unsuspecting customers.

Compliance perspective on fraud prevention

Papa Arko Aryiah, Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Compliance at ADB PLC, highlighted the importance of continuous customer education and vigilance in reducing exposure to financial fraud. He noted that fraud prevention does not depend solely on controls implemented by financial institutions, urging customers to understand the risks associated with their banking activities and develop the habit of verifying suspicious transactions and communications.

“Fraudsters often succeed by exploiting information, trust, and urgency. Customers should therefore be cautious whenever they receive unexpected requests concerning their accounts or banking details,” Aryiah stated. He emphasized that taking a moment to verify a request before responding can make the difference between preventing fraud and becoming a victim.

Aryiah also urged customers who detect suspicious activity on their accounts to contact their banks promptly, noting that early reporting could enable timely intervention and minimize potential losses.

Public engagement activities

As part of the campaign, ADB staff interacted directly with members of the public, providing practical education on measures individuals can take to reduce their vulnerability to fraud. The ADB team distributed branded anti-fraud T-shirts and aprons while using the engagement to create awareness of the bank’s products and services.

The direct public engagement reflects the broader objective of moving fraud education beyond conventional communication channels into everyday spaces where customers conduct business. ADB’s active participation demonstrates its commitment to promoting responsible banking practices, strengthening public confidence in financial services, and supporting industry-wide efforts to create a more secure banking environment.

Core fraud prevention guidance

ADB PLC distilled its fraud prevention message into four actionable principles for customers: protect your banking information, verify before you act, report suspicious activity promptly, and work together to make banking safer for everyone. The bank reinforced this guidance through social media posts earlier in August, warning that “scammers are always looking for their next victim” and urging the public to “shine your eye” to spot and stop fraud.